Method for whitening teeth

ABSTRACT

Tooth whitening compound includes a whitener and a carrier selected for adhering the carrier and whitening composition to a user&#39;s teeth. The whitening compound may be applied by the method including painting, washing, sponging, coating, daubing, spraying, wiping, rubbing, and by any movement relative to a horizontal or vertical axis of the user&#39;s tooth. The whitening compound may be sufficiently viscous to adhere to a user&#39;s teeth, in use, without a mechanical retaining device. The whitening compound may be a semi-solid or a solid compound at ambient temperatures.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of Application No. PCT/US2003/017631,filed Jun. 5, 2003, which is incorporated herein by reference.

This application relates to applicant's concurrently filed ApplicationNo. [applicant's ref. 7338-US], entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TOOTHWHITENING”, filed Dec. 5, 2005, and which is incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to systems and methods for treating teeth. Morespecifically, the invention relates to a system (e.g., a novel deliverysystem) for delivering a tooth whitener to a tooth and a method forwhitening teeth. The invention likewise relates to a system and methodfor whitening teeth without the use of a mouth tray or other retainingdevice of the type which retains the tooth whitener in place against theteeth during use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Tooth whiteners are known. Conventional tooth whiteners are laborious,unwieldy, and expensive.

Conventional tooth whitening methods are complicated and expensive, and,hence, are limited to a small portion of the population.

In one typical method, the user whose teeth are to be whitened mustfirst visit a dentist in order to have a mouth tray made which is moldedto fit that user's teeth from a cast made from an impression.

After the conventional steps of producing the mouth tray have beencompleted, then the mouth tray is given to the user, along with thetooth whitening compound(s).

In some tooth whitening methods, the user then takes the tooth whiteningcompounds home, and uses them in conjunction with the mouth tray in theprivacy of his or her home.

In use, the mouth tray is at least partially filled by the user with thetooth whitening compound provided by the dental practitioner.

The user must then take the proper mouth tray for the respective upperor lower jaw and press the mouth tray filled with whitening compound up(or down) against the teeth to be whitened.

The user then holds the mouth tray filled with the compound in placeagainst the teeth for a specified period of time.

After the specified period of time, the user removes the mouth tray andthe bulk of the compound, and discards the used whitening compound.

Typically, the whitening procedure is a multi-day procedure.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,879,691 to Sagel et al. discloses a delivery system fora tooth whitener using a strip of material having low flexuralstiffness.

Some known conventional whitening methods (e.g., the type of methodsthat utilize either a traditional tray or an adhesive strip) requirethat the whitening compound be forced on the gingival tissue in theregion adjacent to the teeth to be whitened. That forcing whiteningcompound on the gingival tissue may result in a burning sensation tothat tissue.

Many known whitening compounds have the drawback that they dry out theteeth, in use, owing to the whitening compounds drawing moisture out ofthe teeth. Such dried out teeth are more sensitive to hot and cold.Accordingly, many prior art whiteners required desensitizers(desensitizing compounds) so that the patients would not be bothered bytheir temperature-sensitive dried out teeth.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to overcome the drawbacks of the priorart methods, compounds, and devices.

A further object of the invention is to provide a tooth whitening methodthat is easier to use, more cost effective, and available to a greaterpercentage of the population.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a tooth whiteningmethod that eliminates the need for mouth trays which fit the respectiveupper and lower sets of teeth in the user's mouth for retaining thewhitening compound against the teeth to be whitened, as in theconventional methods.

Yet another object of the invention is to allow the whitening compoundto adhere to the user's teeth, thus eliminating entirely the need for amouth tray to retain the tooth whitening compound.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a tooth whiteningmethod which is easier to use than the known methods.

Another object of the invention is to provide a tooth whitening systemand method which dries out the user's teeth less than conventionalwhitening methods, so that the use of tooth desensitizing agents in thewhitening compound may be reduced or eliminated.

A further object of the invention is to provide a tooth whitener systemand method that directly applies a whitening agent onto the surfaces ofthe user's teeth, thus eliminating the need for any type of tray orother mechanical retention device to retain the whitening agent on thesurfaces of the teeth.

Another object of the invention is to provide a whitener delivery systemwhich reduces or eliminates the discomfort or burning sensation of theuser's gingival tissue that may occur when using prior art deliverysystems.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a tooth whiteningsystem in which the whitening compounds are applied substantiallydirectly to the facial and labial surfaces of the teeth to be whitened.

Another object of the invention is to provide a tooth whitening systemand method which reduce or eliminate the annoyance and inconvenience ofusing and wearing pre-made trays or adhesive-strip type products.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a tooth whiteningsystem and method which are more effective than known over-the-counterwhitening methods requiring the use of boil-and-bite type trays that donot fit the teeth properly and, hence, are often ineffective and resultin less than desirable tooth whitening.

In summary, the invention provides a tooth whitening method which can beperformed without the use of a mouth tray for retaining a toothwhitening compound against the user's teeth.

It is another object of this invention to have a delivery system wherethe whitening compound is directly applied onto the tooth in a solid orsemi-solid state. The whitening compound may be applied in a mannersimilar to the use of a tube of lipstick.

It is further object of the invention to have the whitening compound ina dispenser, which can be utilized without the use of a mirror andwithout the need for the user to hold the lips away from the teeth anylonger than it takes to apply the whitening compound onto the tooth.

It is a further object of the invention to eliminate the need forwhitening mouth trays, applicator brushes, and bottles which hold thewhitening compound.

In summary the invention pertains to delivering a whitening compoundagainst the tooth surface in a solid/semi-solid state in a deviceresembling a tube of lipstick or a mechanical pencil design.

It should be understood that relative terms such as up, and down are forconvenience only and are not intended to be limiting.

It should likewise be understood that throughout the specification thefeatures and advantages described in connection with the tooth whiteningsystem apply equally to the features and advantages of the method ofwhitening teeth described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a tooth whitening system according tothe invention;

FIG. 2 shows the applicator of FIG. 1 in use;

FIG. 3 shows a first layer or whitening agent as applied to the user'steeth, which is a cross sectional view of teeth taken along line 3-3 ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 4 illustrates a further container for use with a further embodimentof a tooth whitening system according to the invention;

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of a user's incisor with a whiteninglayer on the front surface of the tooth;

FIG. 6 illustrates a user's molar with a whitening layer on the frontand lower face of the tooth;

FIG. 7 shows a further embodiment of an applicator for use with thesystems according to the invention;

FIG. 8 shows a still further embodiment of an applicator for use withthe systems according to the invention;

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of the applicator of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 shows another applicator according to the invention;

FIG. 11 shows the FIG. 10 applicator, in use; and

FIG. 12 shows another applicator according to the invention.

The term painting is intended to cover all manner of applying a layer ofthe whitening compound to a tooth, the term painting including, but notlimited to brushing, sponging, coating, daubing, spraying, wiping,rubbing, and applying by movement relative to the tooth (i.e., anymovement relative to a vertical or horizontal axis of a tooth) yieldinga layer of whitening compound on the tooth. The movement relative to thetooth is not intended to be limited to movement toward and away from thegum. For example, spraying and daubing may be carried out with little oressentially no movement along an axis that is at an acute angle relativeto the longitudinal axis of the tooth (e.g., a central, substantiallyvertical axis of a user's tooth).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIGS. 1-9

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate an embodiment of a tooth whitening delivery system10 according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention.

Tooth whitening system 10 includes a container 14 for holding awhitening agent or first whitening compound 60. Container 14 may beprovided with a resealable opening 16 for repeated access to the insideand, hence, the contents of container 20.

A brush 20 having a handle 24 and bristles 26 may be provided forapplying the whitening agent held in container 20.

Bristles 26 may be configured for being held by a user when applying thewhitening agent to the user's teeth by use of bristles 28.

Container 20 may be disposable, or may take another form, as describedbelow.

FIG. 3 illustrates the user's or user's jaw 40 including an upper jaw 44and a lower jaw 48.

Teeth 50 include an outer surface 52 and a corresponding inner surface54.

In some cases, only outer surface 52 will be whitened by use of thewhitening agent 60, as it is outer surface 52 which is visible when theuser's lips are drawn back exposing teeth 50.

FIG. 2 illustrates how brush 20 is applying the whitening agent on outersurface 52 of teeth 50. It should be noted that bristles 28 may beconfigured and sized so as to reach all exposed surfaces of teeth 50.Preferably, the viscosity of compound 60 is selected so that thewhitening agent 60 may be applied directly to all the exposed toothsurfaces which the user desires to whiten. In use, the user maydispense, such as by painting on, a desired quantity of whiteningcompound 60, holding brush 20 as shown in FIG. 1, and apply sufficientpressure to force whitening compound 60 into crevices 62, for example,as desired. One or more teeth 50 may have whitening compound 60 appliedto them.

A single coat or multiple coats or layers of whitening agent 60 may beapplied.

Whitening agent 60 is formulated so that it need not be covered, in use,by a device, such as a tray or tape, as the formulation is selected sothat the whitening agent 60 adheres to the user's teeth.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the manner in which the whitening agent 60 orthe bristles 26 or both are selected so that whitening agent or firstlayer 60 extends into the exposed crevices 62 between teeth 64, forexample. FIG. 3 shows whitening agent 62 applied to the outer surfaces52 of tooth 64.

Whitening agent 60 of FIGS. 1-3 has been successfully used with only onelayer of compound 60 as the whitening agent. Of course, the user mayapply a thin layer 108 of compound 60, and then apply more whiteningcompound 60 to thicken the initial layer, yet both “layers” would be, ineffect, a single thicker layer of the same compound 60. In use, therewas no apparent burning or ill effects of whitening agents 60 whenwhitening agent 60 contacted the mouth tissue.

FIGS. 4-6 illustrate another preferred embodiment of a whitening system100 according to the invention. Whitening system 100 includes acontainer 104 having an opening 106 for providing access to the contentsof container 104.

FIG. 5 illustrates how one of a user's incisors 124 is whitened. In thecase of incisor 124 the whitening agent 108 may be applied only to theouter surface 52 of incisor

Typically, a user will find it unnecessary to whiten the inner surfaces54 of his or her incisors 124, as the inner surfaces of the user'sincisors 124 are rarely visible to others, for example.

FIG. 6 illustrates the case where a user would like to whiten the outersurface 52 as well as the lower surfaces of his or her teeth, such as anillustrated molar 64. In that case, whitening agent 108 is applied toouter surface 52 as well as to the lower surface of the illustratedupper molar 64.

In the case where the user would like to whiten the inner surface 54 ofmolar 64, the whitening agent 108, will be applied to inner surface 54of the molar.

FIG. 7 illustrates another preferred embodiment of an applicator 150,according to the invention.

Applicator 150 includes a handle 154 and a material 156 disposed at oneof its ends. The material 156 may be a soft absorbent material such ascotton, and applicator 150 may take the form of a cotton swab.

Applicator 150 may be disposable. Applicator 150 may be a cotton swabsuch as a Q-TIP® brand cotton swab.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate yet another preferred embodiment of anapplicator 170 according to the invention.

Applicator 170 includes a handle 174 and a material 176 disposed at oneof its ends.

Material 176 may be shaped to conform to the shape of the surface oftooth 50 to enhance the application of whitening agent on tooth 50.

Material 176 may be made of a foam material, such as cellular foam.

Applicator 170 may be disposable, in a manner similar to the otherapplicator embodiments.

The embodiments of FIGS. 7-9 may be used with either of the dispensersof FIGS. 1-3 or FIGS. 4-6. In such a case, the user may dispense adesired quantity of solid whitening agent or semi-solid whitening agent60 or 108 or 110 (or one or more of agents 60 and 108 and 110) ontoapplicator 150 or 170, respectively, for example.

The viscosity of one or more of whitening agents 60,108 may be varieddepending on the intended use, as described in detail below.

It is contemplated that in any of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-9 anysuitable viscous, solid or semi-solid whitening agent may be used thatcan whiten without irritating the mouth tissues.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, whitening agent 60 may havethe following range of compositions.

WHITENING AGENT COMPOSITION A2 (to yield 100 ml of composition) Ethanol(ethyl alcohol) balance ml Urea Peroxide .001-40 g Resin .001-30 gHydroxyl propyl cellulose .001-20 g total 100 ml

A further preferred embodiment of the whitening agent follows.

WHITENING AGENT COMPOSITION A4 (total yield 100 ml of composition)Ethanol (ethyl alcohol) balance ml Urea Peroxide 8 g Resin 10 g Hydroxylpropyl cellulose .5 g total 100 ml

Whitening agent 110 of composition A3 may be made with 100% pureundenatured ethyl alcohol and 98% pure urea peroxide.

Rosin may be substituted for resin in all formulas.

Urea hydrogen peroxide may be substituted for urea peroxide in allformulas.

Whitening agents may be formulated as follows:

WHITENING AGENT COMPOSITION A5 (total yield 100 ml of composition) Rosin.001-30 g Urea hydrogen peroxide .001-40 g Hydroxypropyl cellulose 1500cps .001-20 g Ethyl alcohol (95%) balance ml Total Volume 100 ml

The following is an example of a tooth whitening compound that has beenformulated in accordance with the invention.

The following is the formulation of a procedure for making 100 ml of aSolution No. 16.

In the following formula, the resin, the urea hydrogen peroxide USP, andthe hydroxypropyl cellulose 1500 cps are all expressed as a weight pervolume (w/v; i.e., g/100 ml) and the ethanol 95 was added in a quantityas needed (q.s.) to yield the desired 100 ml of whitening agent.

WHITENING AGENT COMPOSITION OF SOLUTION NO. 16 (total yield 100 ml ofcomposition) Rosin 12.5 g Urea hydrogen peroxide 8.0 g Hydroxypropylcellulose 1500 cps 0.5 g Ethyl alcohol (95%) balance ml Total Volume 100ml

Solution No. 16 was formulated as follows to yield 100 ml of product:

-   -   1. Dissolve 12.5 g of resin in 75 ml of the ethanol in a beaker        having a spin bar therein;    -   2. The spin bar was spun using the spinning device (stirrer) of        an unheated hot plate of the type having a magnetic stirrer        disposed therein, the spinning was continued until the unheated        rosin and ethanol solution was clear;    -   3. 8 g of the urea hydrogen peroxide were weighed out and ground        into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle, added to the rosin        and ethanol solution, and then stirred on the spinning device. A        cloudy solution resulted.    -   4. As the rosin and ethanol solution was spinning, the 0.5 g of        hydroxypropyl cellulose was added gradually (sprinkled into the        vortex of the spinning solution resulting from the magnetic stir        bar) in small amounts at a time. The spinning was continued for        about an hour until the solution began to gel. Enough ethyl        alcohol (95%) was added q.s. to bring the volume up to 100 ml,        and the spinning was continued.    -   5. The mixed solution was put in a refrigerator (at about 40°        F.) and left overnight (i.e., about 19-20 hours) to allow the        solution to completely hydrolyze.    -   6. The refrigerated solution was removed from the refrigerator        and again spun at room temperature at about 70° F.) for about 30        minutes to thoroughly mix the solution.        -   The prepared solution was then put into the desired            containers.

It should be noted that in Step 4 of spinning the solution having therosin, the urea hydrogen peroxide 1500 cps, and the hydroxypropylcellulose, the added materials may not thoroughly dissolve. It appearsthat the step of allowing the solution to sit overnight in therefrigerator for a period of time, and then remixing the solutionsucceeds in yielding a homogeneous solution with the added materialsdissolved and dispersed throughout.

The following is the formulation of a Solution No. 18 that has beenmade.

WHITENING AGENT COMPOSITION OF SOLUTION NO. 18 (total yield 60 ml (i.e.,51.43 g) of composition) Rosin 7.5 g Urea hydrogen peroxide 3.6 gHydroxypropyl cellulose 1500 cps 0.3 g Ethyl alcohol (95%) 40.0 gSpearmint Extract (1 drop) 0.03 g Total Weight 51.43 g

Thus, Solution No. 18 can be expressed on a weight per weight (w/w)basis of about 14.6% rosin; 7.0% urea hydrogen peroxide; 0.6%hydroxypropyl cellulose 1500 cps; 77.8% ethyl alcohol; and 0.06%spearmint extract; the total is not exactly 100% owing to the roundingof the percentages to one (1) significant digit.

Solution No. 18 was prepared in a manner analogous to that as describedabove in connection with the preparation of Solution No. 16.

It will be seen that the achievement of a tooth whitening deliverysystem has been realized that provides for directly applying a whiteningagent onto the surfaces of the teeth, thus eliminating the need for anytype of tray or other type of carrier.

In other words, the invention achieves the object of an elegantly simplesolution to the problem of expensive laborious and unwieldy toothwhitening systems that made such unavailable to the vast majority of theuser population.

The tooth whitening system achieves the goal of applying and retaining awhitening agent against the user's teeth without the need for a mouthtray or other retaining wall or retaining means that had previously beennecessary.

The method may be carried out without the use of a mouth tray, mold, orother retaining wall for keeping the whitening agent in place againstthe teeth. Such trays have previously been required to protect the softmouth tissue as well.

The whitening compound in one basic form includes a combined carrierthat adheres to the user's teeth, and a whitening agent.

The inventive method eliminates the traditional use of any form of mouthtrays for teeth whitening.

The invention further includes a teeth whitener having a novel carrierthat temporarily adheres to the tooth for the purpose of whitening thetooth with or without a desensitizing agent.

The tooth whitener is bound in the resin and is released or is activatedby moisture or water from the mouth (i.e., from the saliva in the mouth)rather than by the tooth structure itself. It is believed that owing tothe whitening compound being released throughout the thickness of theapplied resin, the active layer is against the tooth being whitened,which tooth is buried in the resin. The hydrogen peroxide or peroxidecompound against the mouth tissue is neutralized or broken down by thewater in the saliva. In that manner, the tissue is unharmed.

It has been observed that the whitening compound is released (activatedthroughout the resin for a period of about or about 10-30 minutes). Thisis seen as an effervescing over the coated tooth surfaces. This can beeasily removed by brushing; and additional application(s) of thewhitening compounds may be applied. It may be that the whiteningcompound is activated (released) against the tooth surfaces for a muchlonger time than the time period during which the effervescence isobserved.

The following formulations are in accordance with the invention.

A whitening compound suitable for applying to teeth may comprise byweight percent:

WHITENING AGENT COMPOSITION D1 A further whitening compound may comprisein weight percent: a) Ethyl Alcohol 95% is about 15-85% (e.g., 76.36%);b) Synthetic Resin (FORAL NC) is about .001-65% (e.g., 13.76%); c) UreaHydrogen Peroxide or PVP Hydrogen Peroxide is about .001-45% (e.g.,8.81%); d) Hydroxypropylcellulose (KLUCEL HF PHARMA) is about .001-20%(e.g., .55%); e) Peppermint Oil is about .001-5% (e.g., .15%); f)Menthol is about .001-5% (e.g., .22%); and g) Aspartame ® is about.001-5% (e.g., .15%).

Peppermint Oil, Menthol, and Aspartame® all only used for flavoring anddo not affect the efficacy of the product. Resin compound can be easilybrushed off or it will wear off after several hours.

Ethyl Alcohol suppliers may include Chemisphere Corp., St. Louis, Mo.,U.S.A;

Synthetic Resin (FORAL NC) suppliers may include Hercules Chemical,PINOVA Division Brunswick, GA, U.S.A.;

Urea Hydrogen Peroxide or PVP Hydrogen Peroxide suppliers may includeUrea Hydrogen Peroxide from American International Chemical, Natick,Mass., U.S.A.; or PVP Hydrogen Peroxide from International SpecialtyProducts, Wayne, N.J., U.S.A.;

Hydroxypropylcellulose (KLUCEL HF PHARMA) suppliers may include HerculesIncorporated, Aqualon Division, Wilmington Del., U.S.A.;

Peppermint Oil suppliers may include PCCA, Houston, Tex., U.S.A.;

Menthol suppliers may include PCCA, Houston, Tex., U.S.A.; and

Aspartame® suppliers may include PCCA, Houston, Tex., U.S.A.

WHITENING AGENT COMPOSITION D1 vs. CONVENTIONAL BRUSH-ON WHITENINGPRODUCT TOOTH CONVENTIONAL WHITENING AGENT BRUSH-ON COMPOSITION D1WHITENING PRODUCT Solution 9% (by weight) 3-4% Carbamide CarbamidePeroxide Peroxide (Urea hydrogen peroxide or PVP Hydrogen peroxide) NoCarbopol No Glycerin Ease of Directly apply Must first dry Applicationto teeth teeth, Directly apply to teeth Mode of Action Resinovercoat/barrier Peroxide Gel which which yields a 20%-30% leaves a gooresidue Peroxide releasing that is broken whitening effect (once downonce moisture Alcohol is evaporated) comes in contact. DOES NOT ADHERETO TEETH. Time of 20 minute peroxide Breaks down after Effectivenessreleasing compound - only Sustained effervescence a few minutes oncemoisture contacts solution. Efficacy (Apply 2 4 shades (up to 8) of Only3.2 shades of times per day for whitening using value whitening 14 days)oriented Vita shade guide

Superior Whitening Results

Clinical study of inventive whitening agent obtained whitening resultsof up to 8 shades (average of 4 shades) in two weeks using aconservative protocol. Other brush-on whitening products do not adhereto the tooth for an extended period of time. These other conventionalproducts typically wash off (wear off) the user's teeth within fiveminutes after application. Inventive whitening compound forms aprecipitant on the tooth that releases peroxide for about 20 minutes.The conventional whitening product breaks down once moisture is incontact with the whitening compound.

The preferred composition is composed of about 9% (by weight) CarbamidePeroxide in an alcohol base. Once the whitening composition is appliedto the tooth, the alcohol evaporates leaving a precipitant that yieldsapproximately 20%-30% carbamide.

Easier to Use

As the inventive whitening compound utilizes a resin that forms aperoxide releasing precipitant which adheres to the tooth (even whenmoisture is present), there is no need to dry the teeth prior to use. Incontrast, conventional agents use a gel-based compound that forms a“goo”-like layer on the teeth that is removed from the teeth whenexposed to moisture. Thus, the user is required to carefully wipe theteeth dry prior to application.

Virtually No Tooth Sensitivity

Based on clinical study using the inventive whitening compound,participants experienced little, if any, tooth sensitivity. Intraditional whitening gels and methods, glycerin and the use of a trayto cover the harsh compound dehydrates the tooth thus causingsensitivity. As inventive product does not use a tray or other typicalchemicals found in gels, tooth sensitivity will not be present. In theclinical study of the conventional product compared above, toothsensitivity is similar to other whitening products.

Better Chemical Composition

The inventive compound's coating, peroxide composition forms a film(resin) that adheres to the teeth. The film can easily be removed fromthe teeth by brushing or the film will wear off after about 3-4 hours.In contrast, the conventional product compared above uses a chemicalcomposition similar to other gel-based whitening products.

Alternative Embodiment of Whitening Compound

A small heat-emitting hand-held “pen light” may be used to furtheractivate the whitening compound. This light would be used by the userand need not be used by a dentist or other professional to perform thisfunction. Such allows for the resin to be applied in a manner that willcreate a semi-solid and form a thicker film over the user's teeth. Theuser would apply this at night, for example, and brush the whiteningcompound off in the morning. The peroxide compound may be theheat-actuated whitening agent in this case.

The resin will create a thick film on the user's tooth allowing thewhitening agent to be released for an extended period of time of about40 minutes. That extended release period allows the user to apply thewhitening compound once per day and achieve the same whitening resultsas the other formulation.

Yet Another Embodiment Application of Whitening Compound

As the inventive compound utilizes a resin to cause the whiteningcompound to adhere to the user's tooth, more resin can be used in theformulation, thus creating a thicker film on the user's tooth, whichfilm will allow the whitening agent to be released on the tooth forapproximately 20-40 minutes or more. This formulation could include: PEG400, synthetic resin and urea hydrogen peroxide.

The inventive method also comprises a novel active ingredient imbeddedin or carried by a novel carrier that permits sustainable release of theactive ingredient and that would be painted on or brushed on the toothsurface and would remain active for a period of time.

The adhesive or resin may be synthetic or natural. The resin may be arosin.

The rosin may be a refined hydrogenated rosin such as supplied byHercules Chemical, Pinova Division, Brunswick, Ga., U.S.A., as describedabove.

The whitening agent may be any peroxide derivative or other chemicalcomponent that would whiten teeth. The whitening agent may be providedin varying concentrations depending on the carrier in which the agent isprovided, as well as depending on the degree of whitening required, thephysical properties of the teeth, and the like. For example, ureahydrogen peroxide, C.A.S. No. 124-43-6, supplied by ProfessionalCompounding Centers of America of Houston, Tex. may be used as describedabove.

Other known peroxides may be substituted for the above-describedperoxides.

Sodium bicarbonate may be substituted for peroxide(s) as the whiteningagent.

It is contemplated that the whitening compound will be selected so thatthe whitening agent and the carrier will yield a release of thewhitening agent to the tooth surface over time. This optionaltime-release mechanism may be for less than a few minutes to ten (10)hours or more.

The hydroxypropyl cellulose may be as supplied by ProfessionalCompounding Centers of America, Houston, Tex.; e.g., hydroxypropylcellulose 1500 cps, C.A.S. No. 9004-64-2, part no. 30-1996-100, Lot No.26855, obtained in a 100 g lot, and used as described above.

The spearmint oil may be Spearmint Oil N.F (i.e., National Formulary),supplied by Professional Compounding Centers of America (P.C.C.A.),Houston, Tex., Part No. 30-1178-30 used as described above.

Embodiments of FIGS. 10-12

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate another embodiment of a tooth whiteningdelivery system 190 according to a first preferred embodiment of theinvention.

Tooth whitening system 190 includes a container 200 for holding awhitening agent or whitening compound 260. Container 200 may be providedwith a resealable opening 216 for repeated access to the inside and,hence, the contents of container 200.

An applicator body, such as the illustrated cylinder 226 may be providedfor applying the whitening agent held in container 200.

Cylinder 226 may be configured for being held by a user when applyingthe whitening agent to the user's teeth.

Container 200 may be disposable, or may take another form, as describedbelow.

When whitening agent 260 is in its semi-solid or solid state, such as atambient temperature, a movable actuator 220 provided on body 200 my beactuated to dispense a desired quantity of whitening compound 260 fromcontainer 200. For example, actuator 220 may be in the form of arotatable actuator which rotates relative to cylinder 260 and forces anamount of whitening compound 260 out of container 200 as a function ofthe amount of rotation of actuator 22. Body 200 and actuator 220 may bein the form of conventional lip balm dispenser or the type whichdispenses solid lip balm at ambient temperatures. As shown, a quantity228 of whitening compound 220 has been dispensed thanks to use ofactuator 220, and whitening compound 260 is being applied to a user'stooth (or teeth) in use. The embodiment of FIGS. 10 and 11 may be usedfor dispensing viscous, solid or semi-solid tooth-whitening compound 260according to the invention. The size and configuration of opening 216may be varied depending on the intended use and the viscosity of thesolid or semi-solid whitening compound to be dispensed, as will bereadily appreciated.

A cap 230 may be provided to cover opening 216 of container 200 when notin use.

FIG. 11 illustrates the user's or user's jaw 40 including an upper jaw44 and a lower jaw 48.

Teeth 50 include an outer surface 52.

Outer surface 52 is shown being whitened by use of the whitening agent260, as it is outer surface 52 which is typically visible when theuser's lips are drawn back exposing teeth 50.

FIG. 11 illustrates how container 200 is used when applying thewhitening agent on outer surface 52 of teeth 50. It should be noted thatexposed, dispensed quantity 228 of whitening compound 260 may beconfigured and sized so as to reach all exposed surfaces of teeth 50.Preferably, the viscosity of compound 260 is selected so that thewhitening agent 260 may be applied directly to all the exposed toothsurfaces which the user desires to whiten. In use, the user may dispensea desired quantity 228 of whitening compound 260, hold container 200 asshown in FIG. 11, and apply sufficient pressure to force whiteningcompound 260 into crevices 262, for example, as desired, in a manneranalogous to that described above in connection with the otherembodiments. One or more teeth 50 may have whitening compound 60 appliedto them.

A single coat or multiple coats or layers of whitening agent 260 may beapplied.

Whitening agent 260 is formulated so that it need not be covered, inuse, by a device, such as a tray or tape, as the formulation is selectedso that contact of whitening agent 260 with the mouth tissue causeslittle or no discomfort nor harm to the mouth tissue.

Whitening agent 260 of FIGS. 10-11 has been successfully used with onlyone layer of compound 260 as the whitening agent, as in the embodimentsabove.

FIG. 12 illustrates another preferred embodiment of a whitening system300 according to the invention. Whitening system 300 includes acontainer 304 having an opening 306 for providing access to the contentsof container 304. Additional openings 306 may be provided, depending onthe intended use.

Container 304 may be provided with a semi-solid viscous whiteningmaterial 308 which may differ in viscosity from the first material orwhitening agent 260. The second whitening material or compound 308 maybe dispensed in the illustrated flexible container 304, or may bedispensed in the typically relatively rigid container 200 of FIGS. 10and 11. Threads 312 may be provided to detachably secure a cover forcovering hole 306.

The second whitening material 308 may be applied to teeth 50 as follows.The user squeezes container 304 sufficiently so as to cause a desiredquantity of semi-solid whitening agent 308 to exit opening 306.

Typically, a user will find it unnecessary to whiten the inner surfaces54 of his or her incisors 124, as the inner surfaces of the user'sincisors 124 are rarely visible to others, for example.

The embodiments of FIGS. 7-9 may be used with any of the dispensers ofFIG. 1-6 or 10-12. In such a case, the user may dispense a desiredquantity of the respective solid whitening agent or semi-solid whiteningagent (or agents) onto applicator 150 or 170, respectively, for example.

As will be appreciated, the viscosity of the whitening agent may beselected so that not only is the whitening agent semi-solid or solid atambient temperatures, but the whitening agent is also at leastsemi-solid when applied to the users' teeth in the mouth environment.The temperature of the mouth will typically be 37° C. (98.6° F.)

In use, it is contemplated that the whitening compounds described hereinmay be applied by hand, such as by applying the whitener to a fingertipthen daubing on the whitening compound with the user's fingertip(s).

It is contemplated that in any of the above-described embodiments, anysuitable viscous, solid or semi-solid whitening agent may be used thatcan whiten without irritating the mouth tissues.

The solid or semi-solid whitening compound can be made in several ways.

WHITENING AGENT COMPOSITION D2 In one inventive embodiment the whiteningcompound may comprise in weight percent: Urea Peroxide   15% Rosin   5%Wax 79.8% Stevia Powder  .15% Peppermint Oil 0.05%

The urea peroxide and resin can be incorporated in a wax resinformulation and then pressed or extruded into the desirable shape andmanufactured in the dispenser.

The dispensing device would cause the whitening compound to protrude asa solid or semi-solid and the consumer would directly apply the solid orsemi-solid compound onto the tooth surface in a manner similar tolip-stick. It may be desirable to provide several shapes and sizes ofdispensers or applicators to apply whitening compound to the entirefacial surface of the tooth and interproximal areas. If saliva on thetooth hinders the resin-wax whitening compound from sticking to thetooth surface a hydrophilic substance can be incorporated in thecompound to absorb the moisture as the whitening compound is beingapplied.

With this invention it will be unnecessary to dry the tooth prior toapplication and will be unnecessary to keep the lips and cheek away fromthe tooth surface immediately after application, unlike in prior artwhitening compounds.

WHITENING AGENT COMPOSITION D3 Another whitening agent composition maycomprise: Carbamide Peroxide AIC product code: RPLGC30025KBXH AIC U.S.A.RANGE: .01-30 gm Foral NC - Hydrogenated Rosin Hercules Chemical, U.S.A.RANGE: .01-30 gm Stevia 90% powder (sweetener) JAJA - Allen Weber,U.S.A. RANGE: .001-2.0 gm Peppermint Oil Rainbow Gardens, U.S.A. RANGE:.001-2.0 gm KLUCEL HF Pharma hydroxypropylcellulose Hercules - AqualonDivision Wilmington, DE, U.S.A. RANGE: .001-25 gm Ethyl Alcohol 95% 190proof RANGE: 10-50 ml.

As an example of viscosity ranges contemplated for the inventivecompounds, depending on the intended use, such viscosities beingdetermined in a 25° C. environment as follows.

Viscosity: Brookfield Viscometer DV1+(RVT)

Spindle 5 @12 RPM (25° C.)

Preferred Product Range: 400-800 cps (preferably about 600 cps).

Upper Range: 3000-5000 cps (semi-solid-gel) to a solid unflowableformulation, i.e., a solid which retains its solid form, such as astick-like, cylindrical form similar to a conventional cylindricalcolored lipstick or a conventional cylindrical lip balm protector, e.g.,Chapstick® brand lip balm, A.H. Robbins Co., Richmond, Va., USA).

Features of Semi-Solid and Solid Whitening Compounds According to theInvention

With the present invention the consumer would simply remove the top ofthe applicator and then twist the lower part of the applicator and thesemi-solid or solid whitening compound would protrude. The consumerwould then apply the whitening compound directly onto the surface of thetooth.

The tooth would not need to be dried prior to application.

The whitening action would take place in a manner somewhat similar tothat of previous brush-on whitening compounds. For example, the peroxidewould be released from the solid by the moisture in the saliva alongwith the salivary proteins. As the compound is a solid rather than aliquid or gel the concentration of peroxide can be substantiallyincreased, increasing the concentration beyond 30% is contemplated.

Having the whitening agent in a solid/semi-solid state offers severaladvantages over current whitening systems to date:

-   -   Ease of consumer application: no mouth trays, adhesive strips,        bottles or brushes.    -   Can be applied anytime, anywhere.    -   Will not cause any soft tissue irritation; the solid can only be        applied to the tooth and will not run onto the soft tissues.    -   Easy transported; the applicator and semi-solid or solid        whitening compound can be carried in a purse or pocket.    -   Affordable.

While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, itis understood that it is capable of further modifications, and usesand/or adaptations of the invention and following in general theprinciple of the invention and including such departures from thepresent disclosure as come within the known or customary practice in theart to which the invention pertains, and as may be applied to thecentral features hereinbefore set forth, and fall within the scope ofthe invention or limits of the claims appended hereto.

1-19. (canceled)
 20. A method of whitening teeth, comprising: a)providing a viscous whitening compound, the viscous whitening compoundbeing a semi-solid compound; b) painting the viscous whitening compoundon a user's teeth by brushing the viscous whitening compound on asurface of a single one of the user's teeth; and c) the whiteningcompound includes a whitening agent, and the whitening agent includingby weight percent about 5-45% urea hydrogen peroxide.
 21. A method ofwhitening teeth as in claim 20, wherein: a) the whitening compoundincludes, by weight percent: i) undenatured ethanol 15-85%; ii) resin0.001-65%; and iii) hydroxypropylcellulose 0.001-20%.
 22. A method ofwhitening teeth as in claim 20, wherein: a) the urea hydrogen peroxideincludes, by weight percent, about 5-45% urea hydrogen peroxide.
 23. Amethod of whitening teeth as in claim 20, wherein: a) the urea hydrogenperoxide includes, by weight percent, about 10-45% urea hydrogenperoxide.
 24. A method of whitening teeth as in claim 20, wherein: a)the urea hydrogen peroxide includes, by weight percent, about 20-45%urea hydrogen peroxide.
 25. A method of whitening teeth as in claim 24,wherein: a) the urea hydrogen peroxide includes, by weight percent,about 11% urea hydrogen peroxide.
 26. A method of whitening teeth as inclaim 20, wherein: a) the urea hydrogen peroxide includes, by weightpercent, 11% urea hydrogen peroxide.
 27. A method of whitening teeth,comprising: a) providing a viscous whitening compound; b) the viscouswhitening compound being a viscous, solid whitening compound; c) theviscous solid whitening compound including a whitening agent, and thewhitening agent including by weight percent 5-45% urea hydrogenperoxide; d) the viscous solid whitening compound having a viscosity ina solid, unflowable formulation of about 5000 cps as measured by aBrookfield viscometer (spindle 5 @ 12 rpm at 25° Celsius); e) providinga container for containing the viscous whitening compound, the containerconfigured for being held by a user and including an actuator configuredfor forcing a dispensed quantity of the viscous whitening compound outof the container; f) applying the dispensed quantity of the viscoussolid whitening compound on a user's teeth; g) the step of applying thedispensed quantity of the viscous solid whitening compound beingperformed by applying sufficient pressure on the dispensed quantity ofthe viscous solid whitening compound directly on a surface of the user'stooth with the container held by the user; h) the container being alipstick-type cylindrical dispenser; and i) the step of applying thedispensed quantity of the viscous solid whitening compound on the user'steeth being performed by contacting the user's teeth only with thedispensed quantity of the viscous solid whitening compound.
 28. A methodas in claim 27, wherein: a) said step of applying the viscous solidwhitening compound is performed by applying the viscous solid whiteningcompound on a surface of a single one of the user's teeth.
 29. A methodas in claim 27, wherein: a) a carrier is provided; and b) the carrierincludes a resin.
 30. A method as in claim 29, wherein: a) the resin isa non-toxic resin.
 31. A method as in claim 29, wherein: a) the resin isa synthetic resin.
 32. A method as in claim 29, wherein: a) the resin isa natural resin.
 33. A method as in claim 27, wherein: a) the viscoussolid whitening compound includes an active whitening agent which isactivatable by water from a tooth to which the viscous solid whiteningcompound is to be applied.
 34. A method as in claim 27, wherein: a) theviscous solid whitening compound includes a synthetic adhesive.
 35. Amethod as in claim 27, wherein: a) the viscous solid whitening compoundadheres sufficiently long without the aid of a tape that the whiteningagent can whiten a human tooth.
 36. A method as in claim 27, wherein: a)the viscous solid whitening compound comprising, by weight percent: i)undenatured Ethanol   15-85%; ii) resin 0.001-65%; and iii)hydroxypropylcellulose 0.001-20%.


37. A method of whitening teeth as in claim 27, wherein: a) the ureahydrogen peroxide includes, by weight percent, about 10-45% ureahydrogen peroxide.
 38. A method of whitening teeth as in claim 28,wherein: a) the urea hydrogen peroxide includes, by weight percent,about 20-45% urea hydrogen peroxide.
 39. A method of whitening teeth asin claim 27, wherein: a) the urea hydrogen peroxide includes, by weightpercent, 11% urea hydrogen peroxide.